A family runs on a shared calendar and a few shared lists. The free tools already on your phones do the job, as long as everyone uses the same one.
Share one calendar with the whole family
Where to find it: Google Calendar on the web, Settings and sharing, Share with specific people
A Google calendar shared with everyone shows each person's events on every phone in the house, on iPhone and Android alike. Give each person a color so the week reads at a glance.
Set up Family Sharing on iPhone
Where to find it: Settings, Family, or Settings, your name, Family Sharing on older versions
Family Sharing links up to six Apple accounts, each still private. It brings shared purchases, a shared family calendar and purchase approval for children, at no cost.
Keep shared notes for the things you look up twice
Where to find it: Google Keep, a note, Collaborator, add a family member
Wi-Fi passwords, school logins and the babysitter's checklist belong in one shared note that every adult can open and edit.
Pick one place for everything
Where to find it: One message to the family naming the calendar and the list app
Two calendars is the same as no calendar. Choose one tool for events and one for lists, tell everyone, and move the old ones over in a single evening.
